Recipe Review: Coffee Flavored Beef Roast

A week or so ago, I made the coffee-flavored beef roast that I blogged about here. I served it with the potatoes, carrots and mushroom/onion mix that it was cooked with, creamed spinach and homemade biscuits

The only mistake I made was putting in too much water with the roast and vegetables to cook. I should have stuck with the directions. It watered down the seasonings, but otherwise this was an EXCELLENT recipe...my roast has never before turned out so perfect, so tender. I was amazed. I swear, it was like eating my Granny's Sunday roast--that perfect!

You HAVE to make this recipe...Reagan ate her entire helping of roast, two servings of creamed spinach (Kroger special!), her carrots, mushrooms and her biscuit. SHE NEVER EATS THAT MUCH! In fact, we have to bribe her to get her to eat more than a few bites..that's a testament to just how good this recipe was. And the biscuits? OH MY GOSH..PEREFECT...steamy and soft on the inside, crusty and hot on the outside. Trust me, go to this biscuit recipe and you will NEVER go back. And it's so easy there's no reason to buy frozen or canned ones at the store ever again.

Here's the recipe! I promise you'll love it!

Classic Biscuit~Country Living
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
2.5 cups all purpose flour (sifted twice before measuring)
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 cup + 2 tbsp cold buttermilk
1 tbsp melted butter

Heat oven to 475. Cut butter into small cubes and freeze for 15 minutes. Stir the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Cut in the butter using either a pastry blender, two knives or your fingers til mixture resembles a coarse meal. Stir in the buttermilk using a fork just until the dough forms. Knead 3-4 turns on lightly floured surface and pat into a 7*10 rectangle. Cut out biscuits using a 3 inch cutter (gathering scraps until all the dough is used). Place 2 inches apart on a baking pan, brush the tops with melted butter. Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 16-18 minutes. Serve warm with honey.

2 Buttermilk Tips!
If you don't have buttermilk, use soured milk instead. Make soured milk by combining 1 tbsp lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup plus 1 tbsp milk. Let the mixture stand for 5 minutes til thickened. OR keep a container of SACO Cultured Buttermilk Blend in your cupboard (refrigerate after opening--oops forgot to do this!) to use on those occassions when you need buttermilk. This stuff is awesome! Of course the soured milk works too, but we southerners love our buttermilk and it adds that 'from scratch' taste to the biscuits!

Reusable Babysitting Information Board

Ok, this is PURE GENIUS!!! If we ever actually have a need for a sitter (other than the occasional grandparent-date-night-sitting), then I'll definitely be using this!!!!


~Photo and Tutorial courtesy of Dollar Store Crafts...CLICK HERE!!

Updates

My mom is doing somewhat better and has been released from the hospital. She's being sent home with pain medication and a physical therapist. My aunt and I continue to try to get her to move to Alabama where her family is close. Thanks to everyone for your prayers.


Finances and Walmart Update: I am averaging going to Walmart approximately once a month. I've really tried hard NOT to go at all per my agreement with myself, but with Target being 30 minutes away in good weather (we've had sooo little of that!) it's hard not to just stop by Walmart and grab what I need. Luckily I've kept my purchases to my list only. And we're saving a ton more money! I've also really slowed down on using coupons at Kroger and have been cooking more 'from sratch' foods and using more fruits and vegetables...very few coupons for those items. And get this, we're saving much more money than before. We made our "Dream Home" savings goal for January and as of February 26th, we'll have made our February goal. I'm so excited and I've already figured up the amount we need for March to stay on target.

Homeschooling is coming along slowly, but we're getting there. I've really neglected my homeschooling blog--I really wanted to have an outline for others that were confused by the whole startup process..but I think I have enough on my plate for now..I'll post there when I can.

I think that's it for us! Stay warm everyone!

The Simple Woman's Daybook 2/23/10 Edition

I haven't participated in this in a while, but I love getting a chance to reflect on the recent past. If you're interested in joining, check out this link and join the Simple Woman's Daybook!

FOR TODAY
Outside my window....I thought it WASN'T snowing...but it is and I can just make out the flurries in the light of the corner lamp post. Earlier this week it smelled like spring...snow covered spring...but it's coming....
I am thinking about what we're going to do in school tomorrow and how I'm ever going to manage to get everything done that needs to get done.
I am thankful for my family, that I have a husband I can trust and count on and a daughter who still loves snuggling up to me no matter how many times I mess up as a mom!
From the learning rooms: I'm hoping to do a science project with Reagan tomorrow! (And here's to hoping it doesn't involve something growing in the fridge..I really need to clean it out!!)
From the kitchen--we had Chinese tonight so no cooking here, although I found an awesome recipe for pancakes yesterday (which is what Reagan requested for lunch)...they were so fluffy!
I am wearing jeans and an Auburn tee
I am creating a better system for all the supplies we've needed to start homeschooling
I am going to bed soon! SOO TIRED!
I am reading a cheesy historical romance, What Happens When A Woman Trusts God and waiting for the rest of my reading list to be fulfilled by some wondrous person on paperbackswap.com!
I am hoping that my mom gets better soon and realizes that she can have a great future without subjecting herself to an abusive relationship.
I am hearing Josh laughing in the next room, the distant sound of a few cars on the main roads and a train (the Midwest is still very much powered by trains)
Around the house I can't wait to start airing it out in the next three months and put up some spring decorations
One of my favorite things is planning surprises for Reagan on the holidays
A few plans for the rest of the week: school, grocery shopping, cleaning out the refrigerator..ugh!
Here is picture for thought I am sharing
Doesn't this just simply sing spring??

I warned him I was going to post this....

So, my absolutely favorite body wash in.the.world. has been disappearing at an alarming rate. I know this because I have been using it VERY conservatively. As in....some days I open the container and sniff, then sigh, close it, and use my other body wash.

On Saturday Josh let me sleep late. It's kind of our thing. I sleep late on Saturday. He sleeps late on Sunday (we have a later Church service). I woke up...dragged myself to the bathroom and was staring at my bouffant hair, dark circles and droopy everything...when I smelled IT. YES. IT. MY LEMON SCENTED BODY WASH.

I whipped open the shower curtain...and there, THERE, is my husband....using NOT ONLY my lemon scented body wash people, BUT MY LOOFAH!!!!! And as it hits him, that I've just caught him using all my girly wonderful smelly-feel-good stuff, his mouth drops open and he tries to hide the loofah and all the lemon scented soap suds cascading off his naked body by whipping his knees up to his chest and holding the loofah as if it's his PRECIOUS that I'm going to attempt to rip out of his hands. I won't say the thought didn't occur to me. Because it did.

Today, I am proud to report, he not only bought his OWN body wash (and not a girly one either!) and his OWN loofah, but he also bought me some more lemony-smelling goodness.

I'm not sure if I still want to punch him or what :/ Hmm.....and UGH! MY LOOFAH! I swear that's like drinking milk after someone or using someone's toothbrush..ugh! ugh! UGH!!!!

This weekend has been a little hectic for our family so I never got around to making more of the homemade dishes I had planned. I'll try to do those sometime this week and post the recipes.

On other news, my mom was recently diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She had left the hospital and was home for over a week...today she returned to the hospital after having several episodes of not breathing last night. When I last talked to her husband, she was not communicating much at all and was not in very good shape. Please keep her in your prayers.

Persecuted for Christ

Company girls, if you're joining me today, the following post is something that has been weighing heavily on my heart. I am not in any way authorized to speak or teach about the Bible or leading a Christian life. I'm just a Christian struggling along. Feel free to offer any insights you may have.


Recently I read a fiction novel about members of a Catholic church that were being terrorized by demons. I assure you, since that time, I have had lots of nightmares. Not a good book for a little light night time reading! If any of you have ever read Frank Peretti's novels, his books cover the same topic--demons terrorizing Christians....and hard-core, kick butt Angels that fight back!!

Reading these types of books has opened up an interesting dialogue in my heart about my relationship with Christ. One that holds special meaning in view of today's current events. Am I willing to be persecuted for Christ? Spiritually or Physically? AM I WILLING TO BE PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST?

Let's step back a minute:
I know that Christians are to be persecuted for Christ's sake. The Bible tells us this...repeatedly. Check out 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 or Philippians 1:27-30. History tells us this---just check out current events or your history books to see example after example of Christians being persecuted for their beliefs. And yes, most of those are graphic examples of Christians being persecuted PHYSICALLY for their beliefs. But Christians are also being persecuted mentally, emotionally and spiritually for their beliefs.

Let's examine that statement for a second:

Christians are being persecuted mentally, emotionally and spiritually for their beliefs. How? In most of Frank Peretti's books, you'll see him refer to demonic forces by names: despair, anger, jealousy, hatred. And I firmly believe that Satan uses these emotions to his full advantage and is unleashing spiritual warfare against Christians in order to win souls to Hell.

But Leah, are you telling us you really believe in demonic forces on earth? Here and now?

Yes. But I didn't always think that way. It's been a relatively recent development in my spiritual growth. And here's how it came to pass. I believe in God and Jesus. That much is a given for any Christian. And if I believe in Christ, then I have to believe in His Holy Spirit and his Angels. And that's a powerful thought...Angels here on earth to fight for righteousness and protect those that love the Lord. God even tells us that there are Angels among us...see Hebrews 13:2, Psalm 91:11, Psalm 34:7 and perhaps the one I find most full of joy and redemption, Hebrews 1:14.


So why is it so hard to believe then, there there are demons on earth terrorizing us and tearing away at our relationship with Christ? I had the opportunity to discuss this question with one of my fellow Christian friends. I think she thought I was a little crazy. And that's what most people would think if I said I believed in demons. But how, as Christians, can we believe in God, in Christ, in His Holy Spirit and in His Angels--and NOT believe in a Satan that has so much hatred for us that he is willing to release his minions on earth against us?

The Bible gives us example after example of demons persecuting men. I'm sure the first name that pops into any Christian's mind is Job. What about Mark 7, verses 25-30, the story about the little girl with the unclean spirit? What about Matthew 12, verses 43-45, warning us to put our house (our souls) in order so that unclean spirits do not return sevenfold? I firmly believe that not only do heavenly hosts surround us, but we are bombarded with hosts of a much more evil kind.

So while I do believe that demons can actually inflict physical terror as well, I believe that Satan is waging a much more effective war against Christians-spiritual, mental and emotional warfare. But get this...Christ has given us the eternal hope and assurance that we WILL win the battle. Check out this passage from Ephesians 6:10-20, which gives us not only that blessed assurance, but also the weapons with which to defeat Satan:

The Whole Armor of God

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 lPut on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the 2wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against mprincipalities, against powers, against nthe rulers of 3the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 oTherefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand pin the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, qhaving girded your waist with truth, rhaving put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 sand having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking tthe shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And utake the helmet of salvation, and vthe sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 wpraying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, xbeing watchful to this end with all perseverance and ysupplication for all the saints— 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, zthat I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which aI am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

And all this to bring me back to my original question: Am I willing to suffer persecution for Christ's sake? Sure, I might say I am, and even expect it. But am I TRULY willing to be persecuted for my Lord? Am I willing to face death, or even worse, the constant beating of my soul by hell's forces?

Sure this would be a nice, neat tidy package if I could just wrap it up and say YES! Of course I'm willing! But I'm a weak human and the answer is I'm just not sure. I love Christ, I want to spend eternity with Him. But am I willing to suffer to be with Him? This is a journey that is going to require so much more inside searching and outside reading and praying.

I know God will win the battle for us. I know the reward is greater than anything I can imagine. So why is it so hard to commit to a little suffering here and now?

Ash Wednesday-A little late

Yesterday (or actually, today as I write this) was Ash Wednesday. I didn't realize it because my Church doesn't really celebrate Ash Wednesday or Lent. But I have a very good friend that's a Catholic and one of our other friends mentioned that she, Andrea, was going to Church to have ashes placed on her. I was absolutely not sure what that meant and so I went home and looked it up on trusty old Google.

Here's what I found:

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day, or the start of the season of Lent, which begins 40 days prior to Easter (Sundays are not included in the count).
Lent is a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline. During some Ash Wednesday services, the minister will lightly rub the sign of the cross with ashes onto the foreheads of worshipers.

Not all Christian churches observe Ash Wednesday or Lent. They are mostly observed by the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and Anglican denominations, and also by Roman Catholics. Eastern Orthodox churches observe Lent or Great Lent, during the 6 weeks or 40 days preceding Palm Sunday with fasting continuing during the Holy Week of Easter. Lent for Eastern Orthodox churches begins on Monday and Ash Wednesday is not observed.

The Bible does not mention Ash Wednesday or the custom of Lent, however, the practice of repentance and mourning in ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19; Esther 4:1; Job 2:8; Daniel 9:3; and Matthew 11:21.
~Courtesy of About.com

Of course the discussion of our Catholic friend's traditions led to another friend discussing what people at her Church were doing for Lent...one man was giving up coke-cola, but was also adding in three periods of prayer during the day to focus on his relationship with Christ.

My relationship with Christ is certainly not where it needs to be, but He has been leading me lately in our relationship and posing some very difficult questions in my heart. He has also been leading to homeschool Reagan, which is going to require His direction and His leadership, and much of my own following.

After much discussion and thought and a little bit of research, I finally decided I should probably focus on my own relationship with Christ during this season before Easter. I've attempted giving up something for Lent before..just because it seemed "the" thing to do and I can always work on moderation, but this time I really want to focus, not so much on what I'm giving up, but how giving up something can draw me closer to Christ.

And so, I've decided to give up two things I have little control over: Coffee creamer and sweets. And when I feel the need to eat sweets or use coffee creamer, I'm going to sit down and focus that energy and that craving and that need on talking with my Savior.

I'll keep you posted.

Notice my new button?

See it? Over there on the side? *I* MADE that button folks! With the help of some very talented bloggers out there who were generous enough to share their tutorials. I'm so proud!

Ok. Ahem.

Yesterday I had someone (by the very lovely name of Leah!) mention they'd love to make their own Cream of Chicken soup too...never fear! This weekend I'll post the recipe and hopefully some photos of my own attempts!

And yes, I am homeschooling now! What an adventure! It's a slow start, but most importantly, it's a start!

Mass Cooking Day: The Recipes

I should have taken a picture of all of the food I made on Saturday, but I didn't...and I'm not going to at this moment either because my kitchen is still recovering..ugh!! All together, I made:

1 Mexican Chicken (the lower sodium/fat version worked great)
1 Chicken Pot Pie
Cooked chicken for chicken salad
Spaghetti Noodles for spaghetti dinner later this week
3 bags of Chicken Tetrazinni (each bag holds enough for dinner for three plus leftovers for lunch the next day)
5 containers of Broccoli-Cheese-Potato Soup
3 Meatloaves (which is the result of trying to make Grilled Hamburgers, more on that in a minute)

In the freezer we have everything left but the Mexican Chicken, the Chicken Pot Pie and the shredded chicken (although we still have some of each of those left..we're working on them for lunches and dinner from Saturday through last night!)

Here are the recipes and notes as needed!

Chicken Pot Pie
Chicken Tetrazinni

Mexican Chicken
1 bag Doritos or low fat tortilla chips seasoned with sea salt
1 can each healthy request cream of chicken and cream of celery
1 large jar of thick picante sauce
boiled chicken (2 large skinless, boneless breasts)
Mexican shredded cheese, low fat

Layer bottom and sides of casserole dish with chips. Layer boiled shredded chicken over chips. Mix salsa and cream of soups together and pour over chicken.Sprinkle cheese on top and add more crushed chips. Bake at 350 for 35-45 minutes.


Potato-Broccoli-Cheese Soup
2 cups chopped onion
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
2.5 lbs peeled and cubed potatoes
1/2 cup carrot, finely chopped
5 cups boiling water + 4 cubes chicken bullion OR 5 cups chicken stock
3 cups fresh broccoli, cooked and drained
salt and pepper to taste
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

In a large stock pot saute onion in olive oil. Add potatoes, carrot and stock. Cover. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to medium, cook til potatoes and carrot are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove tough outer skin of broccoli stems and cook. Add to soup. In a blender, puree soup and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. Add cheese and heat through til melted. Good for freezing!

Grilled Hamburgers (which fell apart and became "Grilled Hamburger Meatloaf"!)
1 lb Angus ground beef
1 lb ground sausage
1.5 c mushrooms, finely chopped
.5 cup onions, finely chopped
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1/4 cup ketchup/mustard mix
salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients well and form into patties. Grill (Or if that doesn't work, press into pans and make awesome tasting meatloaf!)



I still plan on making Homemade Cream of Chicken soup, tortillas and refried beans at some point this week-perhaps Saturday.